Sends aid to families displaced by Davao City fire incident
The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, March 25, extended additional aid to the residents of the Leon Garcia community in Agdao, Davao City after their houses were damaged during a fire which spread through the area late last year.
“Mga kababayan ko, huwag po tayong mag-alala dahil hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno. Mag-cooperate lang tayo, magtulungan at magbayanihan. Malalampasan rin natin ang lahat ng pagsubok na ating hinaharap sa panahong ito,” Go said in a video message.
“Handa kami ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor Sara, Vice Mayor Baste, Congressman Paolo Duterte at Congressman Vincent Garcia na magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he continued.
A total of 66 beneficiary families were given meals, food and medicine packs, vitamins, medical-grade masks, and face shields during an activity conducted by the Senator’s team at the Leon Garcia Sr. National High School.
Selected recipients were provided new shoes or bicycles. Others were given computer tablets to help their children participate in the classes being carried out under the blended learning approach.
As part of ongoing government efforts to deliver assistance to communities recovering from crisis situations, personnel from the National Housing Authority were also present to assess households in need of financial support to repair their damaged houses.
The Departments of Health, and Social Welfare and Development had previously distributed hygiene kits with medicines as well as cash assistance and food packs, respectively.
“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat dahil nakatanggap ako ng bicycle at ng iba’t iba pang assistance. Salamat talaga, Senator Bong, para sa tulong ninyo sa aming mga nasunugan!” said Cesar Agabon.
“Nagpapasalamat rin kami sa NHA dahil sa wakas makakapagpatayo na kami ng aming mga bahay! Maraming salamat rin kay Senador para sa dinala niyang tulong dito sa aming lugar,” added Amelita Malata.
As vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order, Go committed to push for the enactment of a measure which will enhance the response capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection and help minimize the risk of similar accidents from reoccurring.
Senate Bill No. 1832, a bill he authored and co-sponsored, directs the BFP to implement a modernization program to facilitate the acquisition of new fire equipment, provision of specialized fire training, and hiring of more firefighters. It will also establish Fire Protection Services and rescue hotlines as well as mandate monthly fire prevention information drives in every local government unit.
SBN 1832 was passed on the third and final reading by the Senate last March 8.
“Kaya ko isinusulong ‘yung Fire Modernization [bill] para ma-modernize ang mga kagamitan ng ating mga bumbero. May information at education drives din ang nasabing bill kung saan tuturuan ang mga residente kung ano ang gagawin para makaiwas sa sunog,” explained Go.
“Bukod sa pagiging laging handa, dapat maging proactive rin tayo kung papaano maiiwasan ang mga ganitong insidente,” he added.
The Senator, as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also encouraged everyone to prioritize their health while diligently following the government-issued protocols against COVID-19.
He offered to assist any beneficiary who cannot access medical care, and encouraged them to seek further aid from the government by visiting the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
The center is a one-stop shop which provides patients quick access to the medical assistance programs offered by the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The Senator went on to express his gratitude to the local officials for their efforts to serve and support the needs of the affected residents. He specifically thanked Leon Garcia Punong Barangay Lita Empis; Kagawad Tommy Rica, Citiaco Jorolan, Rowena Balbes, and Arturo Yu; Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Arian Sagusara; and NHA Regional Manager Zenaida Cabiles.
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin ni Pangulo Duterte dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyo. Kami ang dapat magpasalamat dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon para manilbihan. Makakaasa kayo na hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ito,” pledged Go.
The distribution activity was conducted in batches to comply with minimum health standards in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Necessary health protocols were also in place throughout the activity.
DAVAO BREAKING NEWS 